In my opening game of the season I watched Waunakee take on Baraboo. Waunakee is similar to their teams of years past in that they have tons of talent and go 11 deep in their normal rotation. Waunakee has very good overall height with six players listed at 6'3 or taller in their regular rotation. On the other hand Baraboo only plays two players over 6'3 and don't have alot of talent. Baraboo relys on one played 6'4 senior Sean McGann to do the majority of their scoring. McGann finished the game scoring 30 of Baraboo's 37 points.
Early on in the game it was very obvious that this was an early season game for the fact that both teams could only manage five points each and bunny shots were missed over and over. Baraboo just couldn't get any shots up as it seemed that the only player that could get a shot off was McGann. On the other side Waunakee got lots and lots of easy shots but, just couldn't get them to fall. Their size was just too much for Baraboo as they got offensive rebound after offensive rebound but, just couldn't get the shots to fall.
In the second quarter Waunakee was finally able to get things going applying their full court press and forcing Baraboo to turn the ball over and then their shots started to finally fall. At half Waunakee had extended their lead to 26-13. In the second half Waunakee was able to continue their strong D, as Baraboo's best offense seemed to be when McGann would just take the ball the entire length of the court and score. When Waunakee had the ball they really looked to force the ball to the inside to big man 6'6 senior Joe Tagarelli, who at times was just a bull going to the rim and getting easy buckets. The entire game Waunakee looked to work the ball inside out, which Waunakee has become known for in the last few years. Waunakee was able to knock down the open threes when they were given them. In the end Waunakee was able to cruise to the 55-37 victory.
Top Players
Joe Tagarelli 6'6 senior Waunakee- Very tough on the glass particularly on the offensive end where he really bangs. Also very tough to stop when he gets the ball in the post, sometimes he forces things a bit at times but, he's able to grab his own misses and put them back in. Can get his hand on tons of passes playing on the top of Waunakee's full court press.
Tim Keenan 6'3 senior Waunakee- Don't remember him from last year but, he's a very smooth player with a very nice three point shot and touch around the rim. Just a real nice complement player.
Will Decorah 6'4 junior Waunakee- Very physical player that can do alot of little things. Has a very high release that he can get off at any time and when given the open shot can knock it down. Has a very strong game in the post as well.
Sean McGann 6'4 senior Baraboo- Just a flat out scorer. Has a very nice pull up jumper and can drive to the rim and finish in a variety of ways. Handles the ball well and has a nice outside shot.
Box Score (starters in italics)
Waunakee 55- Tagarelli 17 Keenan 15 Decorah 13 Justin Block 4 Ryan Kruser 4 Ben Cable 3 Jake Heitland 2 Max Chamberlin 1 Alex Cole 0 Patrick O'Connell 0 Dylan DesRochers 0 Austin Ahern 0 Michael Meffert 0 Brett Richgels 0 Brock Carson 0 Dustin Coyle 0 Jakub Bollant-Ulvilden 0
Baraboo 37- McGann 30 Jordan White Eagle 2 Marquez Jackson 2 Andrew Hendricks 2 Ryan Vorndran 1 Joseph Bruni 0 Jesse Klink 0 Jacob Hacker 0 Brock Maxwell 0 Gerrit Bruni 0 Auston Jackson 0 Marquez Jackson 0 Mart Hickey 0
I know this wasn't the longest post but, it's a little late at night so this is the best I could do. This is going to be a very long year for Baraboo and have to feel for McGann a bit as he's a very good player but, just doesn't have alot around him. Waunakee will more then likely win conference and possibly a regional but, they aren't the state team they were a year ago.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Division Three Preseason
For the last few years division three has been the deepest division year in and year out and this year should be no different. Traditionally a division that is dominated by the privates, the public schools seem to be gaining some grown, even though a year ago two private teams met in the championship game. Here are my preseason rankings
1. Lacrosse Aquinas- State champs a year ago bring back the top player in the division and maybe state in 6'3 junior Bronson Koenig, who could of gone anywhere he wanted in the country for college but, choose Wisconsin as his college. Expect a big year from 6'4 senior Quinn McCartney who can jump out of the gym.
2. East Troy- 22 win team a year ago bring back all five starters and have tremendous size with 6'9 junior twins Brett and Alex Prahl and 6'7 senior Tanner Plomb all starting.
3. GET- Only lost two games last year and return three starters including their top scorer in 6'4 senior Riley Bambenek.
4. Racine St. Catherines- State runner ups a year ago return their top player in UW Green Bay recruit 6'5 senior Jordan Fouse.
5. Brillion- Team that always finds themselves towards the top of the rankings and bring back 5'8 junior Eric Kittel their top scorer last year and 5'10 senior Trevor Krizenesky who started his sophomore year but, missed most of last year with an injury.
6. Wisconsin Dells- Won their conference a year ago and won 20 games and bring back every single player from that team.
7. Little Chute- Were a final four team a year ago and bring back 6'5 junior Turner Botz who is starting to get some D1 looks.
8. Lodi- Won 19 games last year and bring back four starters that all averaged double digits in points a year ago. 6'3 sophomore Jordan Shea will be a star and then 6'5 senior Danny Padley, 5'11 junior Kris Seffrood, and 6'6 junior Jacob Haag, future is very bright for a team that has struggled for years.
9. Prairie du Chien- Conference champs a year ago bring back sharpshooter 6'0 senior Connor Morovits and 6'3 senior Colin Roach, who should really improve now that he will be a starter.
10. Two Rivers- Should have a strong year behind big time scorer 6'1 junior Brett Linzmeier who averaged 19 points a game last year.
11. Omro- Lost only two games a year ago and have sharpshooter Brandon Tyler back a 6'4 senior who was their leading scorer a year ago.
12. Clinton- Conference champs a year ago and bring back four starters.
13. River Valley- Finished a game behind Prairie du Chien and has a very strong tradition.
14. Roncalli- Lost five starters but, this is Roncalli so you have to rank them here.
15. University School- Don't know a whole lot about them but, the yearbook has them ranked high and their picked to challenge Dominican for a conference title in the Midwest conference so that must mean something.
Well there are my division three rankings. Should be a very exciting year as I should be going to my very first game of the year Tuesday night.
1. Lacrosse Aquinas- State champs a year ago bring back the top player in the division and maybe state in 6'3 junior Bronson Koenig, who could of gone anywhere he wanted in the country for college but, choose Wisconsin as his college. Expect a big year from 6'4 senior Quinn McCartney who can jump out of the gym.
2. East Troy- 22 win team a year ago bring back all five starters and have tremendous size with 6'9 junior twins Brett and Alex Prahl and 6'7 senior Tanner Plomb all starting.
3. GET- Only lost two games last year and return three starters including their top scorer in 6'4 senior Riley Bambenek.
4. Racine St. Catherines- State runner ups a year ago return their top player in UW Green Bay recruit 6'5 senior Jordan Fouse.
5. Brillion- Team that always finds themselves towards the top of the rankings and bring back 5'8 junior Eric Kittel their top scorer last year and 5'10 senior Trevor Krizenesky who started his sophomore year but, missed most of last year with an injury.
6. Wisconsin Dells- Won their conference a year ago and won 20 games and bring back every single player from that team.
7. Little Chute- Were a final four team a year ago and bring back 6'5 junior Turner Botz who is starting to get some D1 looks.
8. Lodi- Won 19 games last year and bring back four starters that all averaged double digits in points a year ago. 6'3 sophomore Jordan Shea will be a star and then 6'5 senior Danny Padley, 5'11 junior Kris Seffrood, and 6'6 junior Jacob Haag, future is very bright for a team that has struggled for years.
9. Prairie du Chien- Conference champs a year ago bring back sharpshooter 6'0 senior Connor Morovits and 6'3 senior Colin Roach, who should really improve now that he will be a starter.
10. Two Rivers- Should have a strong year behind big time scorer 6'1 junior Brett Linzmeier who averaged 19 points a game last year.
11. Omro- Lost only two games a year ago and have sharpshooter Brandon Tyler back a 6'4 senior who was their leading scorer a year ago.
12. Clinton- Conference champs a year ago and bring back four starters.
13. River Valley- Finished a game behind Prairie du Chien and has a very strong tradition.
14. Roncalli- Lost five starters but, this is Roncalli so you have to rank them here.
15. University School- Don't know a whole lot about them but, the yearbook has them ranked high and their picked to challenge Dominican for a conference title in the Midwest conference so that must mean something.
Well there are my division three rankings. Should be a very exciting year as I should be going to my very first game of the year Tuesday night.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Division Two Preseason Rankings
Well its no longer preseason but, I'll try to get my rankings in as soon as possible and I promise I won't pay attention to any games that have been played. This weekend has a lot of good early season matchups with the holiday tournaments so it will be difficult to not watch those but, I will do my best. I'll admit for this division my rankings have been helped out a lot by the basketball yearbook. Anyway here are my D2 preseason rankings.....
1. Onalaska- Have a pair of D1 recruits in 6'8 senior Nick Arenz and 6'3 junior Matt Thomas.
2. Madison Edgewood- Austin Arians a 6'5 senior is a D1 college athlete and 6'2 senior Spencer Brink is a four year varsity performer. Also coah Zwittler always seems to get the most out of his players.
3. Rice Lake- In my eyes always seem to underachieve but, they have a ton of talent highlighted by 6'5 senior Wally Ellenson a Minnesota recruit.
4. Milwaukee Pius- Appear to be loaded with talent headlined by a pair of seniors in 6'0 Carrington Love and 6'4 Larr Fitzgerald both of which averaged double digits in scoring a year ago.
5. Milwaukee Washington- Should really benefit from moving down from D1 this year and come out of the always tough City Conference. Lots of athletes and talent here.
6. Wauwatosa East- Always bring a competitive team year in and year out. I expect a huge break out year from 6'1 junior Anthony Carroll.
7. Wisconsin Lutheran- Don't know a whole lot but, at this point you just pencil in Wisco as a top 10 team year in and year out.
8. Waunakee- Really seem to have a great program going as they seem to have huge talented senior classes every year. 6'5 senior Joe Tagarelli should have a very big year.
9. Waterford- Honestly don't know a whole lot but, the yearbook had them high.
10. Whitnall- Another team that I don't know alot about but, the yearbook had them ranked high and they have talented senior 6'2 Stephen Pelkofer who averaged 17 points a game last year.
11. Seymour- Another team with a strong tradition and have some very talented underclassmen coming up.
12. Antigo- Won their conference a year ago and have their top two scorers back in a pair of seniors, 5'9 Andreas Ezer and 6'2 Jake Erickson
13. Pewaukee- Last couple years they just seem to always be at the top of the rankings and have good teams year in and year out.
14. New Berlin Eisenhower- Similar response to Pewaukee.
15. Beaver Dam- Call this one a hunch as I've heard some very good things about this team.
Division two always seems to be one of the most difficult divisions to call and if you remember last year there was a lot of bouncing around in the rankings outside of about the top five to eight teams. Should be another interesting year to see who comes out on top.
1. Onalaska- Have a pair of D1 recruits in 6'8 senior Nick Arenz and 6'3 junior Matt Thomas.
2. Madison Edgewood- Austin Arians a 6'5 senior is a D1 college athlete and 6'2 senior Spencer Brink is a four year varsity performer. Also coah Zwittler always seems to get the most out of his players.
3. Rice Lake- In my eyes always seem to underachieve but, they have a ton of talent highlighted by 6'5 senior Wally Ellenson a Minnesota recruit.
4. Milwaukee Pius- Appear to be loaded with talent headlined by a pair of seniors in 6'0 Carrington Love and 6'4 Larr Fitzgerald both of which averaged double digits in scoring a year ago.
5. Milwaukee Washington- Should really benefit from moving down from D1 this year and come out of the always tough City Conference. Lots of athletes and talent here.
6. Wauwatosa East- Always bring a competitive team year in and year out. I expect a huge break out year from 6'1 junior Anthony Carroll.
7. Wisconsin Lutheran- Don't know a whole lot but, at this point you just pencil in Wisco as a top 10 team year in and year out.
8. Waunakee- Really seem to have a great program going as they seem to have huge talented senior classes every year. 6'5 senior Joe Tagarelli should have a very big year.
9. Waterford- Honestly don't know a whole lot but, the yearbook had them high.
10. Whitnall- Another team that I don't know alot about but, the yearbook had them ranked high and they have talented senior 6'2 Stephen Pelkofer who averaged 17 points a game last year.
11. Seymour- Another team with a strong tradition and have some very talented underclassmen coming up.
12. Antigo- Won their conference a year ago and have their top two scorers back in a pair of seniors, 5'9 Andreas Ezer and 6'2 Jake Erickson
13. Pewaukee- Last couple years they just seem to always be at the top of the rankings and have good teams year in and year out.
14. New Berlin Eisenhower- Similar response to Pewaukee.
15. Beaver Dam- Call this one a hunch as I've heard some very good things about this team.
Division two always seems to be one of the most difficult divisions to call and if you remember last year there was a lot of bouncing around in the rankings outside of about the top five to eight teams. Should be another interesting year to see who comes out on top.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Division One Preseason Rankings
I'm finally back with a real post and I just hope that I haven't lost all my followers. Same way every season starts with the preseason rankings. Once again the rankings are based solely on my own thoughts and really have no meeting whatsoever other then just some fun. I will continue to update my rankings throughout the year purely as my own fun. So without further adu here are my preseason rankings for division one......
1. Germantown- Final eight team a year ago that lost on a buzzer shot. Bring back everyone but, one player and have a ton of height in 6'9 junior Luke Fischer, 6'7 senior Daniel Studer, and a pair of 6'6 sophs in Evan Wesenberg and Jon Averkamp. They are led by Badger recruit 6'2 senior Zak Showalter and fellow three year starter 5'11 senior Josh Mongan.
2. Madison Memorial- The defending state champs bring back three starters in 6'5 senior Junior Lomomba, 6'6 senior Jamar Morris, and 6'1 junior Brendan Ortiz. Throw in 6'4 Ngijol Songolio and 6'4 junior Jester Weah who each started large portions of last year and they have a starting lineup as good as any in the state.
3. Milwaukee Riverside- City conference champs a year ago may have the tallest team in the state with 6'5 senior Jalen Currie, a pair of 6'8 juniors in D'Andre Downey and RaVonn Posey, 6'9 sophomore Robert Harris, and if allowed to be eligible 6'10 senior Phil Nolan. Also bring back their starting back court the Shomari and Bakari Triggs 5'10 seniors.
4. Milwaukee King- King is just penciled in every year to the top ten. They have 6'5 senior Arroyo Edwards but, outside of him they have no one over 6'2 but, they have a great coach and have lots of great guards on the team.
5. Milwaukee Hamilton- Final four team a year ago bring back three starters in 6'7 sophomore Kevin Looney, 6'5 sophomore David Burrell, and 6'6 senior Itavian Belcher. Another Milwaukee school with a great coach.
6. De Pere- State runner ups return a pair of D1 recruits in 6'6 senior Brett Vanden Bergh and 6'3 senior Jordan Poydras as well as some very talented underclassmen.
7. Oshkosh North- Always tough Spartans led by 6'5 senior Izaiah Anderson.
8. Menomonee Falls- Have one of the biggest recruits ever for Wisconsin in North Carolina recruit 6'6 senior JP Tokoto. Also have 6'1 senior CJ Malone back and bring in a jv player thats 7'2 in senior Ryan Bross.
9. Brookfield Central- Honestly only have them here because the yearbook has them listed real high. Have five players taller then 6'4 and bring back their top scorer in 6'4 senior Seth Mortag.
10. Sheboygan North- 19 win team a year ago return their top two scorers in 6'1 senior Devin Yurk and 6'0 junior Ethan Guske.
11. Racine Park- Have loads of talent so hopefully they can put it together now that most of that talent is seniors this year.
12. Homestead- Yearbook seems to think they will have alot of success and have alot of talent in their underclassman.
13. Bay Port- Won 20 games a year ago and have some very strong tradition it seems now and bring back three starters.
14. Burlington- Surprise 20 win team a year ago lost alot of starters but, bring back much of their bench and a very strong jv team.
15. Racine Case- Honestly basing this on the amount of success they had last year.
Well there are my D1 rankings for the preseason. I typed them up pretty quickly but, I have been thinking about these rankings for about the past three months. I feel very confident in my top 10 the rest well its just a crap shoot.
1. Germantown- Final eight team a year ago that lost on a buzzer shot. Bring back everyone but, one player and have a ton of height in 6'9 junior Luke Fischer, 6'7 senior Daniel Studer, and a pair of 6'6 sophs in Evan Wesenberg and Jon Averkamp. They are led by Badger recruit 6'2 senior Zak Showalter and fellow three year starter 5'11 senior Josh Mongan.
2. Madison Memorial- The defending state champs bring back three starters in 6'5 senior Junior Lomomba, 6'6 senior Jamar Morris, and 6'1 junior Brendan Ortiz. Throw in 6'4 Ngijol Songolio and 6'4 junior Jester Weah who each started large portions of last year and they have a starting lineup as good as any in the state.
3. Milwaukee Riverside- City conference champs a year ago may have the tallest team in the state with 6'5 senior Jalen Currie, a pair of 6'8 juniors in D'Andre Downey and RaVonn Posey, 6'9 sophomore Robert Harris, and if allowed to be eligible 6'10 senior Phil Nolan. Also bring back their starting back court the Shomari and Bakari Triggs 5'10 seniors.
4. Milwaukee King- King is just penciled in every year to the top ten. They have 6'5 senior Arroyo Edwards but, outside of him they have no one over 6'2 but, they have a great coach and have lots of great guards on the team.
5. Milwaukee Hamilton- Final four team a year ago bring back three starters in 6'7 sophomore Kevin Looney, 6'5 sophomore David Burrell, and 6'6 senior Itavian Belcher. Another Milwaukee school with a great coach.
6. De Pere- State runner ups return a pair of D1 recruits in 6'6 senior Brett Vanden Bergh and 6'3 senior Jordan Poydras as well as some very talented underclassmen.
7. Oshkosh North- Always tough Spartans led by 6'5 senior Izaiah Anderson.
8. Menomonee Falls- Have one of the biggest recruits ever for Wisconsin in North Carolina recruit 6'6 senior JP Tokoto. Also have 6'1 senior CJ Malone back and bring in a jv player thats 7'2 in senior Ryan Bross.
9. Brookfield Central- Honestly only have them here because the yearbook has them listed real high. Have five players taller then 6'4 and bring back their top scorer in 6'4 senior Seth Mortag.
10. Sheboygan North- 19 win team a year ago return their top two scorers in 6'1 senior Devin Yurk and 6'0 junior Ethan Guske.
11. Racine Park- Have loads of talent so hopefully they can put it together now that most of that talent is seniors this year.
12. Homestead- Yearbook seems to think they will have alot of success and have alot of talent in their underclassman.
13. Bay Port- Won 20 games a year ago and have some very strong tradition it seems now and bring back three starters.
14. Burlington- Surprise 20 win team a year ago lost alot of starters but, bring back much of their bench and a very strong jv team.
15. Racine Case- Honestly basing this on the amount of success they had last year.
Well there are my D1 rankings for the preseason. I typed them up pretty quickly but, I have been thinking about these rankings for about the past three months. I feel very confident in my top 10 the rest well its just a crap shoot.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I'm Back!
Well I'm back for another year of high school basketball. I hope that I still have some readers left since it has been about six months since my last post. The first game I will be attending will be in a little over a week. The following week I will be doing my preview rankings of each divisions and coming out with some of my early season thoughts. I will try to do my best to have at least four post a week just as I have in previous years. I do have a girlfriend now that might provide some issues with posting as much as the past or I will be doing my best to get to as many games as possible and will once again have my weekly ranking post once we get into about the second or third week of December.
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